Derek Tracey put Rovers on the victory path in Longford - Photograph by Sportsfile
GOALS from Derek Tracey and Sean Francis earned Shamrock Rovers a 2-1 win in Longford tonight.
The victory moves Damien Richardson’s men to within two points of leaders and defending champions Bohs in the eircom Premier Division and extends the Hoops unbeaten start to three games.
Tracey put Rovers in front on 26 minutes with a right foot curler out of the reach of Stephen O’ Brien after he exchanged passes with Billy Woods and finished cooly from about 20 yards.
The goal was no more than Rovers deserved after responding strongly to Longford’s early pressure.
Tracey’s goal was a relief for Terry Palmer.
Palmer was guilty of a glaring miss for Rovers after only nine minutes from only six yards. The big Rovers central defender tried to pick his spot, but headed against the bar with the goal at his mercy after Francis nodded the ball back.
Francis hit the woodwork before he doubled Rovers’ advantage just five minutes into the second-half.
Yet Longford had forced the early pace, but only had four unproductive corners to show for their efforts.
Keith O’ Connor gave Longford boss Stephen Kenny a pre-match boost when he passed a late fitness test on a back injury to take his place in the FAI Cup finalists starting 11 against Shamrock Rovers at Flancare Park.
But that’s as good as it got for Kenny and Co who slumped to their second defeat in a row in the eircom Premier Division until Sean Prunty pulled a goal back 12 minutes from time.
29/08/2001, 11:42 AM
Stevo
don't think there's any point pressing the panic button yet.....the side are still playing well and the results will come when we get the likes of rovers / shels out of the way....now is the time to stick with the team and give them the support they deserve...we will at least finish mid-table and get a good cup run in....and lavine will you please get us a few goals soon !!
29/08/2001, 11:55 AM
James
heard levine had no problem scoring in Blazers though
Maybe ye should move your home matches there:D
29/08/2001, 12:37 PM
Pauro 76
No need to panic is right, but good football is no substitute for points on the board.
29/08/2001, 12:51 PM
Macy
No need to panic, but I'm beginning to worry. Hopefully this is just a Euro hangover, and we will be more settle by Friday's visit to the butchers of Ballybough.
How you can say that we've played good football in the last two domestic games is beyond me. We hardly attempted to play a fluid passing game, and totally lacked shape. Last night was the worst performance for a long time, and if we're honest they could have notched 5 or 6 without too many complaints. Now is the time for everyone to sing their hearts out at every match, and try and pick the team up.
29/08/2001, 4:22 PM
JC_GUFC
Cork fans?!
Are there any Cork fans any more or are you all just bailing out?!
You seem to be on here constantly James and Peadar is going to nearly every Bohs game!!!! ;)
